Social media saved my life

WHILE many would have negative things to say about the myriad social media platforms, 30-year-old Buhle* from eSikhaleni says social media ‘saved’ his life.

According to Buhle, two months ago, when a group of young boys broke into his house and stole most of his belongings, it was through social media that his possessions were recovered.

“It was a Tuesday afternoon, and I was rushing home to relax after a long day at work.

“When I parked my car outside the front gate, my neighbours all rushed with the news that my house had been broken into. I was shocked.

“As soon as I opened the front door, I saw that the news was true because my house had been turned upside down,’ explained Buhle.

But it was when he walked into the house that he realised the perpetrators had not just vandalised his home, but had taken everything he owned.

“I searched the bedroom and other rooms, and realised there was nothing left in the house except the large items of furniture.

“They had taken my laptop and a bag containing my college study material; a collection of watches, all my sneakers, clothes, colognes, and even food from the cupboard and fridge.

“I spent over ten minutes in shock and not knowing what to do next. “I’m a new student and they had taken everything,” cried Buhle.

According to Buhle, the suspects exited the house through the kitchen door and left with the key which had been inside. This meant he could not even sleep in his own home.

However, his luck changed at midnight when he received a message on Facebook Messenger.

“A lady I didn’t know sent me a photo of my ID and wanted to confirm if it was really me on the photo, or someone else.

“She told me how they had found my things in a church building more than ten kilometres from my house and suspected they were stolen goods.

“She then posted everything and requested her friends to also spread the word. I had never seen this lady before, but she told me we are Facebook friends and that is how she recognised my face,” Buhle explained.

Buhle was able to salvage his laptop, ID and bank cards.

The following day, while still talking to the police about his case, Buhle received yet another message from a different person who also found some of his belongings.

“I was happy to hear that more of my things had been found, and only a few items were not recovered.

“I have my study material back, but what I was most joyful about was experiencing strangers coming together on social media to help a man they didn’t even know. “Not only did they go above and beyond to help, but they also proved to me that people still have the spirit of ubuntu and I will forever be grateful,’ concluded Buhle.

*Not his real name

Not only did they go above and beyond to help, but they proved to me that people still have the spirit of ubuntu and I will forever be grateful